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This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
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964 m (3162 ft)
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This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.
Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.
NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).
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NG47162531
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An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
| Stature |
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191 of 283 Munros |
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The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
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1
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Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
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Rocky peak of the young men |
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The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
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OS Landranger Maps Required |
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| Only £6.29 (£11.69 Laminated) from |  |
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Sgurr nan Gillean is one of the most northerly peaks on the Black Cuillin Ridge, and one of the finest with its sharply pointed summit. The Cuillin are composed of gabbro rock which gives wonderful grip even when wet, but these mountains have narrow ridges and pointed summits which require scrambling or even rock-climbing to reach the summit. The ascent of Sgurr nan Gillean commences in Coire Riabach NNE of the summit and continues on rock and scree on the E face of the mountain to reach the SE ridge. From here the ascent is a scramble and the summit is very very small with lots of exposure!
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Hazards you may encounter on Sgurr nan Gillean include
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| Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes. |
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| Crags on or near ascent routes. |
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| Crags near summit. |
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| Narrow Ridges, with exposure. |
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| Scrambling (major), greater exposure and steeper rock. |
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| Magnetic rock, compass bearings inacurate. |
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General Considerations
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| Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent. |
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| Wind usually increases with altitude. |
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| Visibility can change markedly with cloud level. |
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| River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day. |
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A party of climbers roping up onto Sgurr nan Gillean's west ridge by the easiest route: the Tooth Arete (crest just to right of party, graded 'Moderate' rock climb). Forget ideas of traversing Gillean after a Tourist Route ascent if you're a walker!
© David S Brown
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Image by David S Brown
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Sgurr nan Gillean and the North Cuillin Ridge taken from Druim Hain.
© Gareth Pratt
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Image by Gareth Pratt
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Sgùrr Alasdair from Sgùrr nan Gillean - 1st of August 2005
© Adrie Mallegrom
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Image by Adrie Mallegrom
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Sgurr nan Gillean from the summit of Bla Bheinn on a glorious May day. 25/05/08
© Sam Marshall
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Image by Sam Marshall
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Ascent
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Distance
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Time
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Including...
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Description
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Rating
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1
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955 m
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11.71 km
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4 hrs
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Sgurr nan Gillean
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A route for scramblers only with considerable exposure. You are recommended to purchase and study a higher scale map of the Black Cuillin of Skye before attempting an ascent.
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Image by John Monaghan
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Sgurr nan Gillean after leaving the summit at the window just prior to my first abseil..may 5th 2009
© Dougie Mccoll
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Image by Dougie Mccoll
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Kerry and I on Summit of Sgurr nan Gillean 15th April 2009
© Peter Sinclair
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Image by Peter Sinclair
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Colin and Stephen descending into the small gap just off the summit. We ascended and descended the 'Tourist Route'. 23/05/08
© Sam Marshall
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Image by Sam Marshall
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| Showing the most recent 5 of 8 comments. Would you like to view all 8? |
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Roger Green
wrote on
April 26, 2007
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Climbed via the West ridge in poor weather. I have to say the exposure was terrifying - in some ways worse than the In Pinn itself. Many scrambling moves that felt decidely dodgy, over hideous exposure. A good head for heights and climbing expereince are very much required for this route.
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David S Brown
wrote on
May 23, 2006
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Sometime in recent years the once notoriously boggy beginning of 'The Tourist Route' (as mentioned in my Route Review) has been greatly improved. On my recent ascent of Am Basteir (via the tourist route as far as the lip of Coire Riabach, then branched right) it was bone dry and a really good track! (Incidentally: the comment below on this page by David Brown is from another member: he's bagged far more than me, and I'm the photographer, hope that's not confusing!)
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Craig Johnstone
wrote on
July 10, 2005
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Having never climbed a hill before, let alone a munro, I found this somewhat challenging and am rather surprised to still be alive at the end of it all, still, nice view fom the top though!!
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Marion Kraus
wrote on
September 28, 2003
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Nice one. I found the description of the scrambling part a bit exaggerated, but maybe a woman smaller than me (5 ft 11) could have some problems. Anyway, the scramble was a lot easier than the Aonach Eagach (great experience, nice ridge!) in Glencoe, at it was a lot less exposed than I expected it to be. The summit is not THAT small, I wouldn't call it pointy. Be careful when you're approaching from the ridge between Sgurr Beag and Sgurr nan Gillean, keep to the left to reach the summit, that's a lot easier and less exposed than following the top of the ridge.
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David Brown
wrote on
August 23, 2002
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A superlative mountain whose ascent and descent resembles rock-climbing more than hiking in its upper reaches. The summit makes you feel as though you've conquered Everest. I recommend "Scrambles from Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye" by Charles Rhodes as a foolproof guide to the entire range (£2.95 - sold at Glen Brittle Camp Site). Cameron McNeish's grouping together of the northern 3 Cuillin Munros is misleading. He advises of a 'steep scrambling descent' to the base of Nicolson's Chimney from the West Ridge, in order to attain Am Basteir, whereas it's strictly an abseil. Fantastic mountain!
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There are no Route Write-Ups submitted for Sgurr nan Gillean
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